Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.
Jean-Claude Ellena’s take on citrus results in a brilliant clarity supported by a minimalistic and subtly sensual foundation. When The Different Company Divine Bergamote first debuted in 2003, my expectations were of a straightforward citrus fragrance supported by a cedarwood base—a common pairing in perfumery. However, from the first explosion of silky sweet and astringent bergamot to the base notes of soft delicate musk, the fragrance never developed like I imagined.
Ellena used 70% of natural bergamot in the composition and fused it with ginger, which highlights the spicy and chilly quality of the top notes. Like Frederic Malle Cologne Bigarade, another Ellena creation, Divine Bergamote is ornamented beautifully with both floral and verdant touches, none of which are distinct enough to be readily recognized. Yet, they weave seamlessly through the composition, modifying and softening the astringency of citrus. One moment, I smell a cup of chilled ginger tea; the next, a crushed flower bud. Through this impressionistic mélange, I notice a delicate scent of skin after a day in the sun. There is a mere hint of warmth, yet it is enough to lend a whisper of sensuality to the drydown and a doze of interest to what could have been just a sparkling citrusy fragrance.
Notes: bergamot (70% of natural bergamot), ginger, orange blossom, leaf green, rhubarb (wood), musk.
7 Comments
parislondres: I think I like this the best from TDC. Also like their Osmanthus.
great review.
xoxo August 17, 2005 at 9:02am
BoisdeJasmin: Thank you, dear N! It is very easy to wear, but at the same time, it is an interesting composition that takes citrus on a whole another level.
I also like Osmanthus, which I revisited after your review.
xoxo August 17, 2005 at 10:47am
mreenymo: V, I love this fragrance. It’s on my top ten summer fragrance list, too. But I have to admit that it took several testings before I “fell.”
This is a fragrance that must, absolutely must, be sprayed, because if you dab it on it will fade quickly.
I agree with you that it develops over time and goes through several stages of sheer opulence. 🙂
Hugs! August 17, 2005 at 6:04pm
BoisdeJasmin: Dear R, sheer opulence is a perfect way to describe Divine Bergamote. I remember you mentioning once that it must be sprayed, therefore that is exactly what I have been doing. I received a lovely gift from our fcappy, and I transferred it into a small purse atomizer to have in my possession at any moment.
xoxo August 17, 2005 at 6:25pm
Andreea: I bought this. OMG I bought it unsniffed – at least nearly. I sampled it once, along with Rose Poivré, and I am quite sure that I wanted the latter. But JCE and Bergamot, I have to have it. October 26, 2013 at 11:02am
Jean Patou Eau de Patou : Fragrance Review (Vintage and New) « Bois de Jasmin: […] about citrus and find most colognes too brash, it’s a good choice. Other options are The Different Company Bergamote, L’Occitane Bergamot Tea, Guerlain Cologne du Parfumeur, NicolaÏ Cologne Sologne, and […] May 19, 2014 at 7:03am
Marios Georgiou: Im wondering how much this lasts on skin. Do you have any idea and if it projects? December 4, 2018 at 2:42am